Why Hire a Professional Wedding Planner?
Let's face it... although planning a wedding is surely one of the most romantic and exciting times in a woman's life, it can also be very stressful and time consuming. Many newly engaged women of today are busy working and/or going to school, without a lot of time to spend fussing over details and searching for wedding services. Time after time when I meet a young woman and tell her that I am a professional Wedding Consultant, I hear, "Wow... I wish I'd known about wedding planners like you when I got married".
Why is this? Well, it seems that all of the responsibility of planning the wedding falls on the bride and the bride's mother (usually) to come up with all of the details that come together (hopefully) to make a perfect day. They will sometimes have to depend on friends' and family's recommendations for finding just the right wedding service professionals such as reception venues, photographers and entertainment, and other times they will have to rely on yellow page hunting and internet shopping.
The problem of relying on family and friend's recommendations is that everyone does not have the same taste or style envisioned for their wedding. What was just the right photographer for Aunt Susie and Uncle Jack's wedding could be your worst nightmare if there is a personality or style conflict between you and the photographer. What seemed to be a very enthusiastic disc jockey at your friends' wedding seven years ago could be an embarrassment when you suddenly discover the DJ has not changed styles to keep up with the times and now forces audience participation with wild hats and hoopla hoops while playing outdated music. There must be a certain connection between the service provider and the bride and groom so that your wedding ideals can be communicated and shared, ultimately rendering the wedding of your dreams! Your wedding coordinator can make sure to recommend vendors you will connect with.
Likewise shopping the yellow pages can take hours of telephone work. Although there are many professional, good service providers out there many times you'll call a wedding professional only to find the phone is no longer in service, or if you do make a connection it's most likely an answering machine. You leave a voice mail and maybe you'll get a call back, and then maybe you won't remember what that particular company offered when they do eventually call back.
These are the realities of what can result while planning a wedding without the help of a professional consultant. Utilizing the services of a wedding coordinator, an educated and informed expert in your market area, you can be guided through the entire planning process. Your wedding coordinator will interview you to determine your needs, style and most importantly, your budget. Appointments can then be scheduled with the proper service providers that best meet your individual needs. Your only shopping will be for the perfect wedding coordinator based on the services the consultant provides and the comfort level you feel with this expert.
All of this allows you the luxury of relaxing and enjoying the social and romantic aspects of your engagement, while being assured that your wedding details are all being taken care of by an expert wedding coordinator. This is a time you should be beaming with happiness and not wrinkled with worry and stress.
Lady D's Exquisite Weddings & Events
Serving Southeast/Southwest/Northern Florida and some areas of Alabama.
Why is this? Well, it seems that all of the responsibility of planning the wedding falls on the bride and the bride's mother (usually) to come up with all of the details that come together (hopefully) to make a perfect day. They will sometimes have to depend on friends' and family's recommendations for finding just the right wedding service professionals such as reception venues, photographers and entertainment, and other times they will have to rely on yellow page hunting and internet shopping.
The problem of relying on family and friend's recommendations is that everyone does not have the same taste or style envisioned for their wedding. What was just the right photographer for Aunt Susie and Uncle Jack's wedding could be your worst nightmare if there is a personality or style conflict between you and the photographer. What seemed to be a very enthusiastic disc jockey at your friends' wedding seven years ago could be an embarrassment when you suddenly discover the DJ has not changed styles to keep up with the times and now forces audience participation with wild hats and hoopla hoops while playing outdated music. There must be a certain connection between the service provider and the bride and groom so that your wedding ideals can be communicated and shared, ultimately rendering the wedding of your dreams! Your wedding coordinator can make sure to recommend vendors you will connect with.
Likewise shopping the yellow pages can take hours of telephone work. Although there are many professional, good service providers out there many times you'll call a wedding professional only to find the phone is no longer in service, or if you do make a connection it's most likely an answering machine. You leave a voice mail and maybe you'll get a call back, and then maybe you won't remember what that particular company offered when they do eventually call back.
These are the realities of what can result while planning a wedding without the help of a professional consultant. Utilizing the services of a wedding coordinator, an educated and informed expert in your market area, you can be guided through the entire planning process. Your wedding coordinator will interview you to determine your needs, style and most importantly, your budget. Appointments can then be scheduled with the proper service providers that best meet your individual needs. Your only shopping will be for the perfect wedding coordinator based on the services the consultant provides and the comfort level you feel with this expert.
All of this allows you the luxury of relaxing and enjoying the social and romantic aspects of your engagement, while being assured that your wedding details are all being taken care of by an expert wedding coordinator. This is a time you should be beaming with happiness and not wrinkled with worry and stress.
Lady D's Exquisite Weddings & Events
Serving Southeast/Southwest/Northern Florida and some areas of Alabama.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
4:42 PM | Was this helpful? | 
How to Choose Your Wedding Invitations
Planning a wedding is a great deal of fun, but it also requires a significant amount of planning. Once you have set your date, one of the first wedding details you should turn your attention toward is the selection of your wedding invitations. While at one time traditional wedding invitations appeared only as white or ivory with engraved black in, today there are numerous options available for the modern bride. Due to the wide variety of designs and styles in wedding invitations available, you'll want to get started early in choosing the perfect wedding invitation.
There are numerous factors that will affect your choice of wedding invitation. The first question you should ask yourself is whether you are planning to have a formal, semi-formal or casual wedding ceremony because the type of ceremony you plan will impact your choice of invitations.
Regardless of whether you choose formal, semi-formal or casual invitation, generally, wedding invitations include the invitation itself as well as a reception card, response card, separate envelope for the response card, detailed information on accommodations for guests and riving directions and important telephone numbers.
Be aware that while there are literally thousands of styles and designs of invitations available for the choosing, there are only six basic types of invitations. These include: Engraved, Thermo graphed, Printed, Calligraphy, Handed colored, and Box set.
Engraved invitations are the most classic and traditional choice of invitations available. They are also the most expensive type of invitations on the market; however, if you are planning a very formal wedding, engraved invitations are an absolute must. Keep in mind that you should order your engraved invitations no less than 8 weeks from the date of your wedding, preferably farther in advance.
Thermo graphed invitations provide an affordable alternative to engraved invitations. The end result is a very elegant look and while thermo graphed invitations might not be appropriate for a very formal wedding, they would work well for a semi-formal wedding. Plan on ordering these invitations at least six weeks in advance.
Printed invitations are one of the most popular choices on the market and are very cost efficient. You can find a wide variety of printed invitations available through most stationary and printer vendors as well as on-line wedding invitations vendors. While the turn around time for printed invitations is typically better than engraved or thermographed options, you should still plan on ordering your printed invitations at least 4-6 weeks in advance. Printed invitations are appropriate for semi-formal and casual weddings.
One option in printed invitations that is definitely gaining favor is the alternative of purchasing 'blank' invitations from printed stationary retailers and then printing your own information. This gives you the option of choosing the design you want and saving a few dollars by handling the printing on your own.
Calligraphed invitations are very elegant and work well for weddings with an old fashioned theme. They can be very expensive; however, due to the amount of time and effort involved in producing them. When deciding on whether to choose calligraphy invitations remember that you need to allow extra time for preparation, plan on additional cost and keep in mind that this type of invitation may smudge if it comes in contact with even a slight amount of moisture. Calligraphy invitations are appropriate for all types of weddings except very formal events.
Hand made invitations are gaining in popularity not only because they are cost efficient but because they add a nice personal touch to a very special occasion. There are numerous options for creating hand made invitations and basically the sky is the limit with choices. Just remember to plan on making additional invitations in case of mistakes and allow plenty of time, especially during this hectic time of your life. Handmade invitations are appropriate for most weddings except very formal events. Handmade invitations can also be easily generated with desktop publishing programs and attractive stationary.
Box set invitations are available at most stationary retailers and can provide an quick and easy alternative to other types of invitations. This type of invitation can also be easily dressed up for a unique and personal touch.
Regardless of which type of invitation you ultimately choose, do be sure to allow plenty of time for printing and an additional two weeks for mailing. Also, consider interesting and unique ways you add a personal touch to your wedding invitations, such as unique wording and verses.
For more wedding invitations articles visit Nick's discount wedding invitations website.
There are numerous factors that will affect your choice of wedding invitation. The first question you should ask yourself is whether you are planning to have a formal, semi-formal or casual wedding ceremony because the type of ceremony you plan will impact your choice of invitations.
Regardless of whether you choose formal, semi-formal or casual invitation, generally, wedding invitations include the invitation itself as well as a reception card, response card, separate envelope for the response card, detailed information on accommodations for guests and riving directions and important telephone numbers.
Be aware that while there are literally thousands of styles and designs of invitations available for the choosing, there are only six basic types of invitations. These include: Engraved, Thermo graphed, Printed, Calligraphy, Handed colored, and Box set.
Engraved invitations are the most classic and traditional choice of invitations available. They are also the most expensive type of invitations on the market; however, if you are planning a very formal wedding, engraved invitations are an absolute must. Keep in mind that you should order your engraved invitations no less than 8 weeks from the date of your wedding, preferably farther in advance.
Thermo graphed invitations provide an affordable alternative to engraved invitations. The end result is a very elegant look and while thermo graphed invitations might not be appropriate for a very formal wedding, they would work well for a semi-formal wedding. Plan on ordering these invitations at least six weeks in advance.
Printed invitations are one of the most popular choices on the market and are very cost efficient. You can find a wide variety of printed invitations available through most stationary and printer vendors as well as on-line wedding invitations vendors. While the turn around time for printed invitations is typically better than engraved or thermographed options, you should still plan on ordering your printed invitations at least 4-6 weeks in advance. Printed invitations are appropriate for semi-formal and casual weddings.
One option in printed invitations that is definitely gaining favor is the alternative of purchasing 'blank' invitations from printed stationary retailers and then printing your own information. This gives you the option of choosing the design you want and saving a few dollars by handling the printing on your own.
Calligraphed invitations are very elegant and work well for weddings with an old fashioned theme. They can be very expensive; however, due to the amount of time and effort involved in producing them. When deciding on whether to choose calligraphy invitations remember that you need to allow extra time for preparation, plan on additional cost and keep in mind that this type of invitation may smudge if it comes in contact with even a slight amount of moisture. Calligraphy invitations are appropriate for all types of weddings except very formal events.
Hand made invitations are gaining in popularity not only because they are cost efficient but because they add a nice personal touch to a very special occasion. There are numerous options for creating hand made invitations and basically the sky is the limit with choices. Just remember to plan on making additional invitations in case of mistakes and allow plenty of time, especially during this hectic time of your life. Handmade invitations are appropriate for most weddings except very formal events. Handmade invitations can also be easily generated with desktop publishing programs and attractive stationary.
Box set invitations are available at most stationary retailers and can provide an quick and easy alternative to other types of invitations. This type of invitation can also be easily dressed up for a unique and personal touch.
Regardless of which type of invitation you ultimately choose, do be sure to allow plenty of time for printing and an additional two weeks for mailing. Also, consider interesting and unique ways you add a personal touch to your wedding invitations, such as unique wording and verses.
For more wedding invitations articles visit Nick's discount wedding invitations website.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
5:20 PM | Was this helpful? |
Quick Guide To Wedding Catering: Part Two
So you've tasted the offerings of the caterer and you've selected your main menu options. What about drinks?
What's on tap
Much like selecting the menu options, you will need to factor in what kinds of drinks everyone would like to drink. The easiest way to take care of this is to offer a full service bar. In this way, guests can have mixed drinks of all varieties or they can stick to wine and beer.
You want to plan this option out carefully as you may end up paying more than you would like. Check with the provider as to how many drinks each guest can have, or can expect from the supply that will be brought. In most cases, there is no limit.
A word of advice: Don't ever have a cash bar. Making your guests pay for their drinks when they may also have paid for their outfits and transportation is just a lot to ask.
What to choose for everyone
In terms of wine and beer, tastes and varieties are enormous - how does someone choose?
The best advice is to select four to five different kinds of beer with each one having enough to fill everyone's glass. This may surprise you, but sometimes all of your guests will like the same thing and you may want to make sure that they can have it.
As for wine, you may want to have at least one of each a red varietal and a white varietal. This ensures a milder and more acidic selection. A way to make sure that everyone is happy is to find blends of each of these wines. By blends, this means to find a red that includes a merlot, syrah, and pinot noir, while the white might include a chardonnay, reisling, and zinfandel.
These can be tricky to find, but they are crowd pleasers.
Champagne for toasts
Toasts are just not toasts without a little glass (or two) of champagne. It's common sense to make sure that the new couple and their wedding party have the very finest in champagne (as determined by the budget), while the rest of the guests have another variety. In many reception halls or catering services, the champagne for the wedding party is provided.
Of course, there will also be designated drivers at the wedding, so you will also want to have water, sodas, coffee, and juices available as well. When you're planned it thoroughly, everyone will be well-watered throughout the evening.
About the Author: Amy Spade is an expert on planning weddings, and she has written an amazing totally free minicourse on how to
make sure that you have the day of your dreams, and avoid wedding day disaster! Get the free course "Your Special Day from Start to Finish" now.
What's on tap
Much like selecting the menu options, you will need to factor in what kinds of drinks everyone would like to drink. The easiest way to take care of this is to offer a full service bar. In this way, guests can have mixed drinks of all varieties or they can stick to wine and beer.
You want to plan this option out carefully as you may end up paying more than you would like. Check with the provider as to how many drinks each guest can have, or can expect from the supply that will be brought. In most cases, there is no limit.
A word of advice: Don't ever have a cash bar. Making your guests pay for their drinks when they may also have paid for their outfits and transportation is just a lot to ask.
What to choose for everyone
In terms of wine and beer, tastes and varieties are enormous - how does someone choose?
The best advice is to select four to five different kinds of beer with each one having enough to fill everyone's glass. This may surprise you, but sometimes all of your guests will like the same thing and you may want to make sure that they can have it.
As for wine, you may want to have at least one of each a red varietal and a white varietal. This ensures a milder and more acidic selection. A way to make sure that everyone is happy is to find blends of each of these wines. By blends, this means to find a red that includes a merlot, syrah, and pinot noir, while the white might include a chardonnay, reisling, and zinfandel.
These can be tricky to find, but they are crowd pleasers.
Champagne for toasts
Toasts are just not toasts without a little glass (or two) of champagne. It's common sense to make sure that the new couple and their wedding party have the very finest in champagne (as determined by the budget), while the rest of the guests have another variety. In many reception halls or catering services, the champagne for the wedding party is provided.
Of course, there will also be designated drivers at the wedding, so you will also want to have water, sodas, coffee, and juices available as well. When you're planned it thoroughly, everyone will be well-watered throughout the evening.
About the Author: Amy Spade is an expert on planning weddings, and she has written an amazing totally free minicourse on how to
make sure that you have the day of your dreams, and avoid wedding day disaster! Get the free course "Your Special Day from Start to Finish" now.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
5:11 PM | Was this helpful? |
Quick Guide to Wedding Catering: Part One
After watching the happy couple exchange vows and begin their married life together, your guests will be hungry. Many of the guests may have scaled back on eating in order to look good for pictures or just because they were so busy during the day.
So feed them right.
Different needs
When you're putting together such a large assortment of people, there are bound to be those that have certain ways or preferences of eating. You may find that there are vegetarians or those that can not eat dairy. You might have a diabetic in the crowd or some other health restriction.
Do you have to make arrangements for everyone?
You should certainly try to have options for any sort of eating arrangement. In the case of those that don't eat meat, you might want to have a cheese lasagne available or other pasta dish. This is becoming widely popular to have two options anyways, so why not offer them?
Another way to cope with varied needs is to serve dinner in a buffet style. This allows each person to pick only what they want or what they can eat.
How to find good food
A lot of wedding caterers rely on word of mouth (no pun intended) to get their services recognized. If you can, talk to other people that have gotten married in your town to see who they recommend. Of course, you will still want to see them for yourself, but this list can be a great starting point.
Another way to find good catering is to talk to the reception hall coordinators. Many times they will either require the use of a particular caterer or they have a list of those that they recommend.
Of course, you will want to schedule an appointment with all of the catering candidates in order to do a taste test of their menu options. At that point, you can pick what you think your guests will enjoy.
A good meal is a great way to send your thanks to your guests for coming to your wedding. This is the part that shouldn't be skimped on for any reason. Of course, that doesn't mean that you can't find moderately priced options.
Try your favourite restaurant, for example. If they're able to cater, then you may be able to get a better deal because you're buying food in bulk.
Having a friend who is a cook is even better - so long as they don't mind working through the wedding.
Amy Spade is an expert on planning weddings, and she has written an amazing totally free minicourse on how to make sure that you have the day of your dreams and avoid wedding day disaster!
Get the free course "Your Special Day from Start to Finish" now by clicking this link now.
So feed them right.
Different needs
When you're putting together such a large assortment of people, there are bound to be those that have certain ways or preferences of eating. You may find that there are vegetarians or those that can not eat dairy. You might have a diabetic in the crowd or some other health restriction.
Do you have to make arrangements for everyone?
You should certainly try to have options for any sort of eating arrangement. In the case of those that don't eat meat, you might want to have a cheese lasagne available or other pasta dish. This is becoming widely popular to have two options anyways, so why not offer them?
Another way to cope with varied needs is to serve dinner in a buffet style. This allows each person to pick only what they want or what they can eat.
How to find good food
A lot of wedding caterers rely on word of mouth (no pun intended) to get their services recognized. If you can, talk to other people that have gotten married in your town to see who they recommend. Of course, you will still want to see them for yourself, but this list can be a great starting point.
Another way to find good catering is to talk to the reception hall coordinators. Many times they will either require the use of a particular caterer or they have a list of those that they recommend.
Of course, you will want to schedule an appointment with all of the catering candidates in order to do a taste test of their menu options. At that point, you can pick what you think your guests will enjoy.
A good meal is a great way to send your thanks to your guests for coming to your wedding. This is the part that shouldn't be skimped on for any reason. Of course, that doesn't mean that you can't find moderately priced options.
Try your favourite restaurant, for example. If they're able to cater, then you may be able to get a better deal because you're buying food in bulk.
Having a friend who is a cook is even better - so long as they don't mind working through the wedding.
Amy Spade is an expert on planning weddings, and she has written an amazing totally free minicourse on how to make sure that you have the day of your dreams and avoid wedding day disaster!
Get the free course "Your Special Day from Start to Finish" now by clicking this link now.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
5:07 PM | Was this helpful? |
Gift Ideas for the Best Man
Everyone knows that coming up with wedding ideas for a best man's gift can be very difficult. After all, the idea behind your gift is to show your appreciation. What type of gift can display such appreciation? There's a number of ideas which will vary, depending on your best man's personality. Of course you'll want to purchase a personal gift. But should it be for his home, car, bar, office? These are all options you must weigh-out prior to purchasing best man gifts. Don't wait until the last minute to decide what to get him! You'll be completely overwhelmed with your own wedding plans. Your best man's gift, in addition to wedding favors, should be on top of your wedding priority list.
If you're best man is a smoker, a nice novelty token would be a fancy lighter. Perhaps you can engrave it with his name. In addition, furnishings such as picture frames, name plaques, and office decor make for excellent best man gifts as well. Try to think about your best man's hobbies. Does he enjoy golf, baseball, bowling? Best man gifts that cater to a man's leisure activities will not become dust collectors. That's the idea: to make sure that he gets use out of his item. You'll want to make sure that the gift can actually be used. These types of items won't only show your thoughtfulness, but the sentiments will express the amount of effort you put into the thought.
Is there something your best man has been aching for and just hasn't found the time to purchase for himself? Make small talk with him and listen closely over the next few weeks. Perhaps he'll reveal a wish that you can fulfill. If not, you can always ask mutual friends for suggestions. Don't feel foolish! Someone may have the perfect gift idea in mind. If they do, you'll be able to find the perfect gift is for this man!
Sometimes personal tokens are great gifts ideas as well. If you share a long history with your best man, compile a video or photo album of your treasured times together. These types gifts are priceless. Although you'll share that friendship for years to come, you'll no longer be the bachelor you once were. Don't worry, that doesn't mean that your life is over! You've only just begun. These sentimental gift ideasare just a suggestion. They're a very powerful way of saying "thank you" (to your best man) for standing beside you through every choice you've made in your life. Especially at this particular time, as he has decided to support you while you embark on a completely new experience with a spectacular person.
Jen Carter is owner of My Wedding Blog, a free wedding planning guide.
If you're best man is a smoker, a nice novelty token would be a fancy lighter. Perhaps you can engrave it with his name. In addition, furnishings such as picture frames, name plaques, and office decor make for excellent best man gifts as well. Try to think about your best man's hobbies. Does he enjoy golf, baseball, bowling? Best man gifts that cater to a man's leisure activities will not become dust collectors. That's the idea: to make sure that he gets use out of his item. You'll want to make sure that the gift can actually be used. These types of items won't only show your thoughtfulness, but the sentiments will express the amount of effort you put into the thought.
Is there something your best man has been aching for and just hasn't found the time to purchase for himself? Make small talk with him and listen closely over the next few weeks. Perhaps he'll reveal a wish that you can fulfill. If not, you can always ask mutual friends for suggestions. Don't feel foolish! Someone may have the perfect gift idea in mind. If they do, you'll be able to find the perfect gift is for this man!
Sometimes personal tokens are great gifts ideas as well. If you share a long history with your best man, compile a video or photo album of your treasured times together. These types gifts are priceless. Although you'll share that friendship for years to come, you'll no longer be the bachelor you once were. Don't worry, that doesn't mean that your life is over! You've only just begun. These sentimental gift ideasare just a suggestion. They're a very powerful way of saying "thank you" (to your best man) for standing beside you through every choice you've made in your life. Especially at this particular time, as he has decided to support you while you embark on a completely new experience with a spectacular person.
Jen Carter is owner of My Wedding Blog, a free wedding planning guide.
Labels: Wedding-Planning
11:35 PM | Was this helpful? |
